tep-by-Step Guide: Setting Eggs in an Incubator
1. Prepping the Incubator
•Clean the Incubator: Before placing any eggs inside, clean and disinfect the incubator to prevent contamination from bacteria or mold.
•Set the Temperature and Humidity:
•For chickens: Set the incubator to 99.5°F (37.5°C) with a humidity level of 45-50%.
•For quail: Set the temperature to 99.5°F (37.5°C) with a humidity level of 45-50%.
•Preheat the Incubator: Allow the incubator to run for at least a few hours (preferably overnight) to stabilize the temperature and humidity before adding the eggs.
2. Preparing the Eggs
•Choose Healthy, Fertilized Eggs: Only fertilized eggs will develop into chicks. Inspect each egg for cleanliness, cracks, or deformities.
•Do Not Wash the Eggs: Washing eggs can remove the protective bloom, which helps keep bacteria out. Instead, gently brush off any dirt or debris.
•Egg Storage Before Incubation: If you’re storing eggs before incubation, keep them in a cool, dry place at around 55-60°F with 75% humidity. Eggs can be stored for up to 7 days before they should be incubated.
3. Positioning the Eggs
•Pointed End Down: Place the eggs with the pointed end facing down and the larger, rounded end facing up. This ensures that the air cell remains at the top, crucial for the chick’s breathing during hatching.
•Spacing: Make sure the eggs are spaced out evenly and not touching each other. This ensures proper airflow and even heating throughout the incubation process.
4. Monitoring the Incubator
•Egg Turning:
•Manual Turning: If your incubator does not have an automatic egg turner, manually turn the eggs at least three times a day to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell. Mark one side of the egg with an “X” and the other with an “O” to track which eggs have been turned.
•Automatic Egg Turner: If your incubator has an automatic turner, it will rotate the eggs for you. Make sure it’s functioning properly.
•Maintain Temperature and Humidity: Check the incubator daily to ensure that the temperature stays consistent at 99.5°F (37.5°C) and that the humidity is within the correct range. Add water to the incubator’s water tray as needed to maintain humidity levels.
5. The Lockdown Period (Final Days)
•Stop Turning the Eggs: Three days before the expected hatch date, stop turning the eggs (Day 18 for chickens, Day 14 for quail). This allows the chick to position itself for hatching.
•Increase Humidity: Raise the humidity level to around 65-70% during the final three days to prevent the egg membrane from drying out and becoming too tough for the chick to break through.
6. Patience During Hatching
•Do Not Open the Incubator: Once the eggs have pipped (the chick starts to break through the shell), avoid opening the incubator, as this can cause temperature and humidity fluctuations, affecting the chicks’ ability to hatch.
